Can Hawke's Bay retain its Apprentice of the Year bragging rights?

Hawke's Bay's Cameron Wichman, right, will participate at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition on June 20. Photo / Supplied

A Hawke's Bay carpentry apprentice is aiming to keep the title of the North Island's top apprentice in the region.

Master Builders announced that the 2020 Apprentice of the Year competition will see the top apprentices from across the region participate in a range of practical challenges on June 20.

Cameron Wichman, a Hawke's Bay-based carpentry apprentice, said he has been practising the practical challenges throughout lockdown.

The 20-year-old got into the trades after finishing high school at Hasting Boys' High School. One of his first experiences was helping with the redevelopment of the Hawke's Bay Opera House.

"I'm very excited heading into the weekend, however also very nervous as I don't know what is on the horizon," he said.

"To prepare for the practical challenge I have been learning and practicing different building skills with my boss. I can't wait to have my family down there watching me get to work and cheer me on."

The 2019 Hawke's Bay-East Coast Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year award was won by Hastings apprentice Jesse Compton.

This year's competition, which aims to recognise excellence among apprentices and raise awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry, will combine the Hawke's Bay and Central North Island competitions.

Master Builders CEO David Kelly said the recent $1.6 billion Trades and Apprentice Package will help promote the industry.

"It will be fantastic to see our apprentices go head-to-head this weekend at Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year and showcase a career in the trades," he said.

"The competition comes at a great time following the Government's recent announcement to keep supporting apprentices who are so important to the building and construction sector."

The competition, which will be open to the public to attend, will aim to test your project management, business and presentation skills, as well as practical skills.

The 2019 Hawke's Bay-East Coast Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year award was won by Hastings apprentice Jesse Compton. Photo / Supplied

Regional winners will receive an apprentice membership to the Registered Master Builders Association, a place at a specially designed Outward Bound course, a range of products and tools amongst other prizes.

The competition will be held at Carters in Palmerston North at 9am on Saturday June 20.